We are excited to offer classes for people who want to learn how to build a beautiful Pygmy wood kayak from experienced builders. Our courses are set in a fun group setting, at the Northwest Maritime Center, located on the water in Port Townsend, Washington. This is a great, hands on opportunity to learn how to assemble a kayak from our Pygmy staff. Over the six day course students will complete major assembly of their kayak. At the conclusion of the class your kayak will be ready to be car-topped home, where the final construction steps and varnish application will be completed. The classes we have currently scheduled are listed below. To register call us at (360) 385-6143, 10am-5pm (Pacific Time) Monday-Saturday. Hope to see you here in Port Townsend!
Canoe and Kayak Magazine covered one of our classes in both their print edition and online, complete with some fantastic videos and interviews (see the interview with owner & designer of Pygmy Boats, John Lockwood above). Click here to read the article online.
Click the links below to watch more videos about the week long kayak building class:
Tuition: $750 for primary student $375 for student helpers (tuition includes $50 non-refundable deposit)
Having trouble deciding which kayak to build? Call us: (360) 385-6143. We train our staff to listen to your boating needs and help determine which craft will best suit your body size, skill and outdoor adventure desires. Click here to see a photo blog of the solo kayak building class.
Schedule:
June 24th-30th, 2013 - (this class is full, we are now accepting names for a waiting list)
September 23rd-29th, 2013(this class is full, we are now accepting names for a waiting list)
November 11th-17th, 2013(this class is full, we are now accepting names for a waiting list)
Class Details
Class Schedule
Classes are given over a six day period, each day beginning at 9 am and running until about 5 pm. The seventh day is reserved for pick-up of the kayak in the morning. Students will enjoy expert instruction and the use of the NW Maritime Center's beautifully equipped shop space.
Cost
The tuition for attending a class is $750 for primary students, student helpers pay $375. In addition to the tuition students need to purchase the kit they will be constructing during the class. For kit pricing click here: Price list. Please note, each student's kit will be prepped by Pygmy Boats for class. The prep work required precludes students from bringing their own previously purchased kit with them to a class. If you have previously purchased a kit, and wish to participate in a class give us a call to discuss your options.
Tools to bring
It is best for students to work with their own tools during class. Tools you should bring with you include (to see an image of the tool click on the tool name):
If you have any questions about the required tools please give us a call: (360) 385-6143
Where to Stay:
Port Townsend is a beautiful, historic seaport town. There are several hotel and bed & breakfast options to choose from for accommodations. For a listing of hotels please visit: http://www.ptguide.com/
Getting Your Boat Home:
Your kayak will be ready to car-top back to your home shop at the conclusion of the class. Be sure your vehicle is capable of securely transporting a kayak, and that you have straps and line available. Pygmy Boats and the Maritime Center will not be able to store your boat for you, or provide shop space for you to complete construction.
Completing Your Boat:
At the conclusion of class you will have completed several of the major construction steps required to assemble your Pygmy kayak, but you will still have some work to do before you can start paddling. It is suggested that you have an indoor or covered work space available to complete the final steps of construction. You will likely have gained all the skill and confidence you will need to complete construction of your boat without further assistance. However, if you do have questions while working at home our expert construction advisers are available to assist you by phone or e-mail.
If You Need to Cancel:
Please notify us right away if you need to cancel. We are not able to refund tuition or boat kit payments if a cancellation occurs within six (6) weeks of your scheduled class.
If We Need to Cancel:
Pygmy Boats Inc. reserves the right to cancel a class in the event of emergency or low registration. If we cancel a course you will be refunded your tuition and boat kit money.
